HARTFORD – State lawmakers from Norwalk lauded the approval by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) of $1.75 million in funds for the completion of the Norwalk River Trail (NRVT) and the expansion of the Open Door Shelter campus.
The CIF is giving Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail $1.5 million. The trail is a recreational and transportation amenity in Norwalk that will run from Danbury to Norwalk. This funding will work to complete the Norwalk section of the trail.
The CIF is also awarding the Open Door Shelter Inc. $250,000 to work on a campus expansion project. Open Doors’ mission is to end homelessness in the greater Norwalk region. The organization intends to develop a plan to expand its operations within the South Norwalk neighborhood by exploring the acquisition of abutting properties.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) welcomed the CIF action. Next up is approval by the State Bond Commission, which must come in the next 60 days. The next Bond Commission meeting is slated for March 28.
“I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues on the CIF board for supporting these two vital projects in Norwalk,” Duff said. “The $1.5 million investment in the Norwalk River Valley Trail will not only enhance our recreational and transportation options but also further strengthen our community’s connection to the beautiful natural resources along the trail.
“Additionally, the $250,000 for the Open Door Shelter’s campus expansion is a critical step in supporting individuals and families facing homelessness, and will help them secure long-term housing stability. These investments will have a lasting impact on the well-being and future of our city.”
State Rep. Travis Simms, who has lobbied for Open Door Shelter, is happy to report the news to his constituents.
“As a state representative for Norwalk, I am pleased that both Open Door Shelter and Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail are receiving CIF grants for their respective missions,” Simms said. “I want to thank the CIF board for recommending funding these important projects, which serve as a reminder that while its funding for infrastructure, the money that goes toward them are really investments in people. I will continue to serve as a tireless advocate for more funding for Norwalk and the region to improve all residents’ quality of life.”
CIF is a statewide funding program available to eligible towns and nonprofits within them, based on need. Applicants can submit applications multiple times annually. This round of funding totaled $77.1 million.
The CIF will award up to $175 million each fiscal year through two or more application periods. The grants are administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the governor’s office reviews applications and makes recommendations to the State Bond Commission, which approves the grants.
